1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

6 Questions

Is it possible for the deceased to maintain a connection with their grieving family after death? Can they see or hear their circumstances or witness their family's daily lives? Please share references from the Quran and sayings of the Imams.
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

According to narrations, deceased soul can come to his house and family once a year, or once a month or weekly, depending on his degree. If he sees his family doing good deeds, he will be happy and if he sees them in bad situation, he will be sad. (Biharul Anwar V.6, page 257).

Wassalam.
Is drawing one's own blood in grief for Imam Hussain (a) considered an act of worship? If yes, what is the reasoning and justification behind it?
Amina Inloes

If someone does this sincerely and with the intent of it being a gesture of taqwa (reverence towards Allah), love of Imam Husayn (A), respect for Imam Husayn  (A), respect for Islam, or something similar, it could be considered an act of worship due to their intention.

It would be similar to other acts of personal piety that vary from person to person, or culture to culture. For instance, many Shia wear black out of respect for Imam Husayn, but it is not a requirement. Rather, it is a gesture of respect, and a way of keeping the memory of Imam Husayn (A) alive in society. 

However, this is different from required acts of worship like salat which have a formal intention (niyyah) of worship. And it does not substitute for the required acts of worship such as salat.  

Some people use obscure stories such as "Zaynab hit her head on the camel litter or a pole" to justify self-flagellation. This is counterproductive and unnecessary. First, these stories are usually historically unsubstantiated. And, second, it is unnecessary, since we are speaking about acts that are personal and optional, not religiously required. 

Allah weighs actions according to intentions and what is in our hearts, and knows best what is accepted. We will see the reality of our deeds in the next world. 
 
Is it permissible to adopt an emotionless or stoic demeanor to maintain steadfastness in the face of tribulations?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Yes,it is not only permissible but sometimes it is necessary to maintain steadfastness during tribulations which are usually expected in our life in this world.[sabr] patience,is so important in our life that it came in the Hadeeth:The status of patience from the iman is like the status of the head from the body.even in Quran there are many verses mentioning the great results of patience [indeed the patient believers will get their reward without counting].Az-zumar{39}

wassalam.
I have seen some people smash pots on their head out of grief for Karbala and this causes no blood letting. Is it allowed?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Human beings have their own ways to express their feelings of grief and sadness as well to express their feelings of happiness. Islam allows different ways of expression of feelings as far as it does not contradict a clear ruling of Islam. No one can express his happiness by dancing, simply because dancing is forbidden in Islam. No one can express his sadness by drinking beer or alcohol, simply because drinking alcohol or beer is forbidden in Islam.

People whom you mentioned in your question are expressing their feelings of grief by their own way which does not contradict with any Islamic clear rule, and does not have bad effect on the image of Islam.

Allah (SWT) grants people the reward according to their intentions. These people are observing and remembering the tragedy of Karbala. May Allah (SWT) grant them reward according to their intentions.

Wassalam.